Academic Coordinator for Program Development & External Engagement

Director Bruce Macintosh in the University of California Observatories at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an Academic Coordinator for Program Development & External Engagement. The academic coordinator leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of Lick Observatory's public education and outreach programs, with a strategic focus on extending these programs beyond Mount Hamilton through partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, and public audiences.

The position is responsible for maintaining the scientific and educational integrity of on-site public programs at Lick Observatory while developing new, scalable models for off-site engagement that connect University of California research with diverse public audiences.

The academic coordinator provides intellectual leadership in the design of public-facing science communication and education programs and leads or contributes to the development of extramural funding proposals to support program growth.

Essential Functions

Academic Program Development & External Engagement - 20%

Develops and leads a portfolio of academically grounded public education programs that extend Lick Observatory's mission beyond Mount Hamilton. Establishes and manages partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, libraries, and public-serving institutions. Designs new program models, including school-based programs, regional events, and hybrid engagement formats, aligned with current astronomical research and best practices in science communication and informal learning. Provides strategic direction for program growth and ensures alignment with institutional priorities.

Oversight of Flagship Public Programs (Content & Academic Integrity) - 15%

Maintains responsibility for the scientific and educational content of Lick Observatory's on-site public programs. Ensures that flagship programs reflect current research and are consistent with broader public engagement strategy. Develops thematic direction for programming and provides guidance to staff responsible for implementation. Ensures consistency and quality across on-site and off-site program offerings.

Program Implementation & Training - 15%

Leads the initial implementation of new public education initiatives and pilot programs. Develops implementation plans, materials, and standard practices to support program delivery. Trains staff, volunteers, and program facilitators to effectively execute programs and ensures consistency in delivery. Provides oversight during early phases of program rollout and supports transition of mature programs to operational staff.

Program Evaluation - 10%

Develops and applies frameworks to assess program effectiveness, audience engagement, and educational impact. Uses evaluation data to inform program refinement and strategic planning. Integrates research into program development and dissemination of best practices.

External Funding & Program Development - 10%

Leads and/or contributes to the development of extramural funding proposals in support of public education and outreach initiatives. Identifies funding opportunities and cultivates partnerships that support program expansion. Coordinates activities associated with funded programs, including reporting and compliance requirements. Aligns funding strategies with programmatic goals and institutional priorities.

Leadership & Program Coordination - 15%

Provides leadership and direction for staff supporting public education and outreach activities. Coordinates across internal units and external partners to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with strategic goals. Contributes to long-range planning for Lick Observatory's public engagement mission. Ensures appropriate delegation of operational tasks while maintaining accountability for program outcomes.

Operational Support of Ongoing Programs - 15%

Provides direct, as-needed support for the implementation of established public programs and events to maintain familiarity with program delivery and audience experience. Participates in selected on-site and off-site events, including occasional evening or weekend programs. Assists with troubleshooting, coordination, and program execution during periods of high activity or transition. Uses first-hand experience to inform program design, training, and continuous improvement.

Applicants with an advanced degree in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, education, science communication are strongly encouraged to apply.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

University of California Observatories: https://www.ucobservatories.org

• Master's degree (or equivalent foreign degree); or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent foreign degree) with a minimum of two years' post-degree outreach leadership experience. Degree and outreach leadership experience must be in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, education, science communication, or a related field.
• Experience with astronomy outreach programs in a K-12 setting.
• Experience in coordinating outreach to build partnerships.
• Experience in supervising and evaluating staff and volunteers.
• Experience with educational program development.
• Experience in managing programmatic projects (schedules, budgets, resources).

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC's confidentiality statement.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

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Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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